Managing Unused Latex & Architectural Paint Workshop: Focusing on Options for Rural Communities in Vermont

Workshop Agenda

Please note: This meeting was designed to be as interactive as possible and encourage audience feedback and participation throughout the event.

6:00pm Welcome & Introductions
Rachel Smith, NEWMOA
Jim O’Gorman, Rutland Co. Solid Waste District

• Buffet dinner provided by Gill’s Grinders.

6:30pm The Problem with Managing Paint in Vermont
Cathy Jamieson, VT DEC

• This introduction “set the stage” for why managing leftover “waste” paint is an issue in Vermont – especially for rural communities. The remainder of the workshop focused on possible actions for communities, including: prevention through consumer education and participating in a paint recycling program.

6:45pm Preventing Waste Paint
Rachel Smith and Jennifer Griffith, NEWMOA

• This session focused on preventing the generation of waste paint and discuss educational messages that local retailers, solid waste programs, and others can use to encourage customers and residents to purchase the correct amount of paint. NEWMOA is developing outreach materials as part of this effort and got feedback from participants on these documents.

7:30pm Recycling Paint
Marjaneh Zarrehparvar, PaintCare

• This session covered information on Vermont’s recently passed product stewardship law for paint recycling – Act 58 – which requires the paint industry to be responsible for collecting and managing leftover architectural paint in the state. PaintCare, a non-profit organization established to implement paint stewardship programs has set up programs in Oregon, California, and Connecticut. The success of these programs was discussed, as well the process to get the Vermont program up and running by spring 2014.

8:00pm Questions & Feedback / Group Discussion

8:30pm Meeting Adjourned